How Many Years Does a Spinal Fusion Last?

A spinal fusion, such as a lumbar fusion or ACDF surgery (anterior cervical discectomy & fusion), is a type of surgery performed on your neck or back. The procedure involves “fusing” parts of the spine to limit movement around painful or damaged vertebrae. If you’re considering this type of lumbar or cervical fusion surgery, here’s a look at why you might need a spinal fusion, and how long spinal fusion surgery lasts.

Why is Spinal Fusion Necessary?

Spinal fusion surgery can sometimes be necessary for conditions that cause persistent pain as well as spinal instability or deformity.

Sometimes, these conditions can be alleviated or cured with nonsurgical interventions or other types of surgery such as minimally invasive or endoscopic spine surgery.

But for other patients, fusing two or more vertebrae together is the only method that will provide the necessary level of stability.

In these cases, the stabilization that fusion provides usually helps relieve pain, alleviates spinal cord and nerve compression, prevent further damage to the spinal column, and corrects deformities.

When Is Spinal Fusion Surgery Performed?

You might be a spinal fusion candidate if you have a condition such as:

• Spondylolisthesis

• Scoliosis

• Degenerative disc disease

• Cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis

Dr. Baig, our top spine specialist, won’t normally perform this procedure unless non-surgical treatments are ineffective, as therapeutic treatments can often help you avoid the need for surgery. But if Dr. Baig determines that the potentially long-lasting and life-changing benefits of spinal fusion outweigh the risks, spinal fusion may be the best solution for you.

How Long Does a Spinal Fusion Last?

Spinal fusion surgery is, usually, a highly effective procedure. Once the fusion sets, the effects are permanent, so the results can last for life.

As Healthline explains, “your symptoms and comfort level will gradually improve as you gain strength and confidence in your movements.” While your doctor can tell you more about what you may expect long-term, most patients who undergo a spinal fusion benefit for many years to come.

How Long Does It Take to Recover From Spinal Fusion Surgery?: ACDF vs. Lumbar Fusion

Your recovery depends on a few things, such as the condition you have and the type of fusion surgery performed. However, here are some guidelines.

• Hospital Stay: Most cervical fusions (ACDF) are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to go home the same day. For lumbar fusion surgery, most patients are discharged from the hospital within 1–2 days after surgery.

• Managing Pain After Surgery: With ACDF, the worst of the discomfort typically subsides within a few days. For lumbar fusion, expect the most significant pain to improve within a couple of weeks post-op.

• Returning to Work and Normal Activity: Most patients can return to work and resume normal activities in about 2 weeks after ACDF. For lumbar fusion, it generally takes around 6 weeks before returning to regular routines without restrictions.

• Long-Term Recovery: Full recovery timelines vary based on the procedure and individual healing. Some patients bounce back faster, while others need a bit more time. Your surgeon’s guidance will be tailored to your condition and surgery type—open communication throughout your recovery is key.

Here at Desert Spine and Scoliosis Center, your quality of life after spinal fusion surgery matters. If you’re concerned at any point during your recovery, our team can help.

What About Life After Spinal Fusion?

The goal of a spinal fusion is to improve your pain and improve your overall quality of life. While your doctor can tell you more about any potential complications that may occur, In most cases, spinal fusion patients do very well over time.

Particularly with minimally invasive spinal fusion surgery options, six weeks after surgery is usually when most people are able to return to daily activities; long-term results of course will depend on a patient’s efforts to learn and execute lifestyle recommendations and follow physical therapy post-surgery.

Healthline indicates that often “living a healthy lifestyle, with attention to diet and regular exercise, will help you achieve the best results” in maximizing the benefits of your procedure.

What to Expect 6 Months After Spinal Fusion

Most patients see significant improvements in the symptoms that prompted them to have surgery in the first place, such as a marked decrease in pain levels and a noticeable improvement in stability. Some residual stiffness or discomfort is normal, however.

By the 6 month mark, bones should have started to fuse together.

Often, patients are advised to avoid heavy lifting, bending, and twisting pending physician approval, as we want to monitor the progress of your fusion.

In many instances, patients are advised to continue physical therapy and continue follow-up appointments with their spine surgeon to continually assess healing.

What is Life Expectancy After Spinal Fusion?

Spinal fusion is not usually a life-threatening procedure. For most patients, life expectancy is the same regardless of whether they have surgery or not. It is the improved quality of life that is markedly different for patients before versus after surgery.

What Are the Risks of Spinal Fusion Surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, there is some level of risk associated with spinal fusion surgery. Although the exact risk factors vary by patient, here are the most common complications.

• Post-surgical bleeding

• Blood clots

• Poor wound healing

• Local infection

• Injury to the surrounding nerves or blood vessels

  
  

Your doctor will provide thorough details about these risks, and guidance on how they can be avoided in a post-operative state.

Will I Need More Spine Surgery?

Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that spine fusion will be a “one-and-done” procedure. It could be, and you may never need surgery in the future. Sometimes, other areas of your spine begin to degenerate, and it may be necessary to perform additional spine surgery to get you out of pain. Or, you may need further spinal fusions later in life, depending on your condition.

This is why it is key for you to thoroughly understand your spine surgeon’s process in assessing your conditions and providing recommendations from the start.

You, as the patient, should feel completely comfortable asking questions of your surgeon and knowing all your options, non-surgical and surgical, so you receive the best ‘you-centric’ diagnosis to get back to a life without pain.

Learn More About Life After Spinal Fusion 

A spinal fusion procedure can greatly improve your quality of life in the right circumstances. Dr. Baig will never perform spinal fusion surgery unless it’s the best option, and he will discuss all possible treatment options to help you make the right decision.

Is spinal fusion surgery right for you? Get a consultation today to find out!